By Adam Hamilton.
MIGHTY mare Frith and top young driver Todd McCarthy teamed-up for two milestones in the Ladyship Mile at Menangle.
Fittingly, the dominant all-the-way victory smashed Frith through the $1 million in career earnings.
And it was McCarthy’s first Group 1 win as a driver.
It was 12 months ago when Frith, then still trained and driven by Bruce Harpley, was crushed by Adore Me and had to settle for fourth in that amazing 1min47.7sec Ladyship Mile.
This time Frith blasted to the front from gate nine and McCarthy dictated his own terms in front before cruising to victory in a 1min51.9sec mile.
Incredibly Frith was able to get away with a cosy 57.9sec opening half before ripping home in 54sec and 26.4 to hold-off a gallant Kiwi mare My Willow.
Frith did something no other horse could do at Menangle … prevent the Purdon/Rasmussen juggernaut from winning.
They contested five Group 1’s on the day, won four and snared second with My Willow in the Ladyship.
Although McCarthy only recently took over driving Frith – trained by his sister-in-law Belinda McCarthy – he is in awe of her.
“I’ve always loved watching her and to get to drive her is amazing,” he said.
“I’m so fortunate Belinda, Luke and the connections left me on after I drove her that first time.
“She’s such a special mare and will go down in history.
“When she got to the front, I knew she’d be hard to beat because she never lays down.”
Frith’s record is 53 starts for an amazing 37 wins, nine placings and earnings of $1,096,345.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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